Sign In
Sign In
Routes
LNER
Recent Episodes
This week we're joined by someone who has quite literally made a career out of making the impossible possible — magician, storyteller, and performer Steven Frayne, aka Dynamo.
You probably know him from walking on water, levitating above London, or performing close-up magic for everyone from Prince Charles to Snoop Dogg. But in this episode, Steven opens up in a very different way. He shares the deeply personal journey that took him from a council estate in Bradford to the world stage — and back again.
Clara and Steven cover a lot: the challenges of growing up mixed race in a divided city, his battle with Crohn’s disease, rebuilding his life and identity after a major health scare, and how he’s rediscovered magic not just as performance, but as purpose.
They talk about Bradford’s cultural identity, youth clubs that helped shape his path, first holidays, how his wife came up with the name of his new live show (Up Close and Magical), and why he now performs not to impress, but to connect.
It’s thoughtful, funny, emotional, and full of real insight into what happens when the spotlight fades — and what it takes to step back into it on your own terms.
Whether you’re a long-time Dynamo fan or new to his story, this one’s a special listen.
______
TW: This episode includes discussions about mental health and suicidal thoughts. If anything you hear brings something up for you, then please use some of the links below for support and to talk.
Call the Samaritans by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
Check out CALM at https://www.thecalmzone.net
______
Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER
Chapter Markers:
02:00 – Back to Bradford. Steven reflects on what his hometown means to him today and how it shaped his resilience.
05:00 – Early Influences & First Breaks. From youth clubs and the Prince’s Trust to performing in Covent Garden and sofa surfing in London.
09:00 – From Streets to Soho. Steven’s early gigs in Soho, his unique style, and the beginnings of his career in nightclubs.
13:00 – Identity, Race & Belonging. A raw conversation about Steven’s cultural identity, growing up mixed race in Bradford, and hiding his heritage.
18:00 – Facing Illness & Rebuilding. The impact of Crohn’s disease, mental health struggles, and stepping away from Dynamo to focus on Steven.
21:00 – The Magic of Others. How everyday people and inspiring stories now shape Steven’s approach to magic and storytelling.
27:00 – Performing with Purpose. Why Steven’s work today is rooted in meaning, community, and connection — not ego.
31:00 – Magic, Escapism & Intimacy. On performing live again, the immersive nature of Up Close and Magical, and creating shared moments.
36:00 – Travel, First Holidays & Unexpected Inspiration. Steven’s first holiday, his early musical influences, and a life-changing school trip to Llandudno.
41:00 – Favourite Destinations & Dream Locations. From Glastonbury cottages to magical moments in San Miguel and New Orleans.
45:00 – Late Nights, Magic Studios & After-Parties. Behind the scenes at Dynamo’s studio, and midnight creativity.
47:30 – Looking Ahead. Clara wraps up with a final reflection on purpose, resilience, and the magic still to come.
This week Clara is joined by award-winning singer, songwriter, and creative powerhouse Celeste to chat about life, music, and the magic of travel. From her early days finding confidence in her voice to playing iconic venues and scoring Oscar nominations, Celeste takes us on a journey through her career highs, personal revelations, and the places that have shaped her.
Celeste reflects on growing up between Brighton and London, how moving to a more bohemian city influenced her creativity, and how an unexpected moment in college helped her discover the power of her voice. She talks about the thrill of performing her first paid gig, the excitement of taking the train to London with dreams of being discovered, and why public transport continues to inspire her.
She gives insight into the creative process behind her second album, how she is pushing herself artistically, and why she is determined to make this record truly her own. Celeste also shares her experience working on soundtracks for projects like Day of the Jackal and Pixar’s Soul, and why acting might be a bigger part of her future.
Tour life is on the agenda as she discusses the joy of live performance, what makes Scottish audiences so special, and why she is championing small music venues across the UK.
It is a warm, inspiring, and entertaining conversation with one of the UK’s most exciting voices.
Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER
Chapter Markers:
00:40 - Early Musical Moments – Celeste recalls the first time her singing made an impact.
01:40 - The Journey of 2025 So Far – Celeste shares insights on energy, focus, and personal growth.
03:00 - First Steps in Music – From early collaborations with Teeks to breaking into the industry.
06:00 - Growing Up in Brighton – Celeste’s childhood and the influence of her surroundings.
08:20 - An Inspirational Figure – A personal story about a trans woman named Sophie who inspired Celeste.
10:40 - Finding Confidence in Music – The moment Celeste realised the power of her voice.
13:20 - First Musical Travels – Celeste talks about her first gig and the experience of traveling for music.
16:40 - Performing in Scotland – A memorable gig at Barrowland Ballroom and the warmth of Scottish audiences.
18:40 - Taking a Step Back – How the pandemic forced a necessary pause in Celeste’s career.
22:40 - Unexpected Recognition in Cuba – Celeste shares a surprising fan moment abroad.
27:00 - The Beauty of Public Transport – How travel and people-watching inspire her music.
30:40 - Lending Her Voice to Film & TV – Working on soundtracks and understanding storytelling in music.
33:40 - Touring and Fan Interaction – What fans can expect from Celeste’s upcoming shows.
36:20 - The Importance of Small Venues – Supporting grassroots music spaces.
39:40 - The Second Album Challenge – Celeste reflects on the creative process of her sophomore album.
44:00 - Acting Aspirations – Celeste’s thoughts on future film roles.
45:40 - The Celeste Movement – Her unique performance style and stage presence.
46:00 - Closing Thoughts – Clara wraps up the episode and teases the next one.
This week Clara is joined by BAFTA-winning actor and all-around legend Lennie James. You’ve seen him as Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead, DCI Tony Gates in Line of Duty, and even heard his voice in Mufasa: The Lion King. Now, he’s here to take us on a journey through his life, career, and the places that shaped him.
From his Nottingham roots to growing up in London, Lennie reflects on his past, reconnecting with his birthplace, and the moments that shaped him.
He shares stories of childhood adventures in Great Yarmouth, the unexpected path that led him to acting, and his first big purchases—a leather jacket and a saxophone. His career has taken him around the world, from Dominica to Budapest, with The Walking Dead changing everything. Recognition has come in unusual places, including a Vatican guard who mistook him for a trespasser before realising who he was.
Lennie also opens up about his powerful role in Mr. Loverman, the overwhelming audience reaction, and why telling bold, challenging stories matters. With his next project, Mayor of Kingstown, on the way, he’s still pushing boundaries and seeking new adventures.
Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER
Chapter Markers:
1:00 - Lennie’s Career Highlights: Discussing his well-known roles in Line of Duty, The Walking Dead, and Mr. Loverman.
2:00 - Creative Fulfilment & Life After The Walking Dead: Lennie talks about embracing new challenges and career transitions.
2:40 - Journey to Nottingham: Lennie reflects on his birthplace, reconnecting with his roots, and his desire to know more about Nottingham.
4:00 - Family History & Windrush Generation: How Lennie’s mother moved from Trinidad to England and the family's transition to London.
5:00 - Growing Up & Early Memories: Lennie shares childhood stories, including his lack of memory of Nottingham and early life experiences in London.
8:00 - Great Yarmouth & The Police Officer Connection: A chance childhood encounter with a police officer leads to lifelong friendships and summers spent in Great Yarmouth.
10:00 - Life in a Children's Home & Finding Stability: Lennie talks about growing up in care and how it shaped his life.
13:40 - Becoming an Ambassador for Barnardo’s: His motivation for working with Barnardo’s and advocating for children in care.
16:00 - Entering Acting & Early Career: How Lennie transitioned from writing to acting, his time at drama school, and his first acting job.
23:00 - First Paycheck Splurge: Lennie’s first big purchase: a leather jacket and a saxophone.
25:00 - Travel Essentials & Packing Tips: Hot pepper sauce, skin lotion, and the art of efficient packing.
27:00 - Filming in Dominica & Family Life: Early filming experiences and the impact of bringing his newborn daughter to the Caribbean.
34:40 - Being Recognised in Unexpected Places: A Vatican guard recognises Lennie while he’s lost in a restricted corridor.
38:00 - The Impact of The Walking Dead: Navigating fan culture, conventions, and the unique experience of being part of such a global phenomenon.
44:20 - Mayor of Kingstown & New Roles: How Lennie landed a role in Mayor of Kingstown and his excitement for new projects.
47:00 - Mr. Loverman & Representation in Storytelling: Taking on the role of Barrington Walker and tackling taboos in the Black community.
50:00 - The Power of Representation & Audience Reactions: Emotional responses from fans and the importance of telling diverse stories.
51:20 - What’s Next for Lennie James: Exciting future projects and personal passions, including an upcoming film.